A minister has claimed it is “possible” Chinese spy balloons have already flown over the UK, as the government launches a security review into the threat.

A number of flying objects have been shot down over North America during the past week, with a fourth taken out by fighter jets on Sunday on the orders of US President Joe Biden.

Beijing has admitted to one of the balloons coming from China, but insisted it was a “civilian airship”.

Politics live: ‘Possible’ China has flown spy missions over UK

Speaking to Sky News on Monday, transport minister Richard Holden described China as “a hostile state”, adding: “We need to be aware of that and the way it acts and behaves… and we’ve got to be really robust in our dealings with China.”

Asked if spy balloons could already have flown over the UK, he said: “It’s possible.

“It’s also possible that – and I would think likely – that there will be people from the Chinese government trying to act as a hostile state.

“We saw it with Russia here in the UK with the Salisbury poisonings and other actions that they’ve taken.”

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‘Global threat picture changing for worse’

Mr Holden added: “I think we’ve got to be realistic about the threat that these countries pose to the UK.

“They’re not interested in our democratic values, they’re not interested in standing up for human rights around the world.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed on Sunday that the government would be carrying out a security review into spy balloons.

He said he would work with the US and other close partners to look at intelligence and assess the threats they pose.

“The UK and her allies will review what these airspace intrusions mean for our security,” he said.

“This development is another sign of how the global threat picture is changing for the worse.”

Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner welcomed the review, telling Sky News: “National security has got to be absolutely paramount.

“We have to remain vigilant and ensure that our military services and our security services have the support they need to deliver.”

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